We today face the risk of software patents being approved in the EU because not enough parliamentary members will be showing up to vote. Due to this it is important for those of us who oppose software patents to make sure EU parliament members see the damage software patents cause, so they realize it is important to be there to vote providing the needed absolute majority. But sending out a clear message is also important for the process of patent reform in the US and other places who have fallen into the trap of introducing them.

"And i suppose living in a monarchy like the one in your country is a better example of democracy? The only thing stopping the EU from becoming better is the UK constantly dragging their feet."

Yeah, right! Anyone who considers the EU to be some magic box that dishes out free money might take that view out of ignorance, but you can't honestly have been following the software patents process and still believe in some kind of European vision unless you were cheering in the Nokia, Siemens and Microsoft camp from the sidelines. It's been a real eye opener.

"If you don't want to be part of the EU then don't, it would be a lot better for the rest of us not having to constantly negotiate and compromise everything with the UK."

Try getting France to agree to an agricultural subsidy reform - that's possibly the most significant obstacle to any kind of financially well-managed EU that doesn't have its finger taped to a button that reads "screw the developing world".

"As for software patents they are very bad."

Glad you agree! But don't let the "visionaries" blind you to the real state of European democracy.